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On Monday 19th April, SSFA’s U14 and U15 boys face each other in an intra-county friendly. The game will kick off at 7pm at Stafford Town FC, with players asked to arrive at 6:15. Players are also asked to arrive ready to play, and will be provided with tops on the night. Any parent, scout or volunteer in attendance will be asked to sign in via the NHS Covid-19 app or via the contact forms on arrival. Everyone is reminded to follow our covid-secure guidelines on the night. Members of both the Under 14 and Under 15 Boys will have been contacted by their coaches in regards to further details for Monday night. Under 16's Manager Neil Davies presents the following match report from Monday Evening's fixture with SRUSA: Staffs Boys Under 16's 4 - 0 Sports Recruiting USA After such a long time away, it felt SO good for County football to be back again! Our good friends at SRUSA were our visitors to Stafford Town as virtually the whole Under 16 boys squad attended and played some part. After going close a few times, and despite the heroic efforts of the SRUSA’s keeper, Staffs took a first half lead as Will Finlay finished well from a tight angle. The visitors had a couple of chances on the counter attack, but the Staffs defence held firm until the break. A change of formation at half time quickly brought the all important second goal as Man of the Match Rafferty Winnall was brought down in the area. Todd Alcock calmly slotted home the penalty. Captain Sol Ashworth fired home a third shortly after. Staffs saved the best goal for last as a great team move saw Archie England receive a pinpoint ball down the right wing, Archie then beat his man, cutting in from the touch line and neatly played the ball back for the onrushing Matt Cutler to fire home his first County goal - well deserved after a massively proactive and eye-catching performance. The Staffs boys were naturally a little rusty at times, but credit also to SRUSA who helped make the game very competitive and never gave up trying to play attractive and technical football. All in all a great first fixture back. Thanks to our visitors SRUSA, who were also able to chat to the Staffs players after the game about the incredible opportunities that they provide through their service. Thanks also for the tireless efforts of all of the Staffs coaches and colleagues for making the game possible, and to everyone at Stafford Town FC for their fantastic hospitality. On Monday 12th April, Staffordshire’s Under 16 Boys will take on Sports Recruiting USA in a showcase event. The match will take place at Stafford Town FC, with players asked to arrive changed and ready in dark shorts and socks by 6:15pm for a 7pm kickoff. In line with covid restrictions, only one parent/guardian can accompany their player on the night. All players, parents, volunteers and scouts are reminded to follow our Covid-secure guidelines, use hand sanitiser available, and sign in via the NHS Covid-19 App or the contact forms on arrival. Toilet facilities will be available on the night, but changing rooms remain closed. Scouts are reminded to contact our chairman and/or secretary for permission to attend PRIOR to Monday evening, as outlined in our recent update. The Under 16 Boys Squad for Monday 12th April is named below: George Lenton (GK) George Taylor (GK) Ben Humphries (GK) Jack Bostock Lewis Hassall Matt Cutler Mason Pickering Sam Scott Matt Steadman Isaac Turner Sol Ashworth (Captain) Todd Alcock Archie England Alfie Clarke Rafferty Winnall James Plant Adam Cockbill Will Finlay James Miller Ben Herrington **Important** SSFA will no longer be granting ANY scouts access to our games, unless they have sought prior permission and made arrangements with either/both the chairman (baileyevans.ssfa@gmail.com) or secretary (warrenmark7@btinternet.com). Plenty do this anyway as a matter of professional courtesy; TOO MANY don’t. Following Monday evening's trial at Stafford Town, the Under 15 Boys coaching team of Lee Sage and Oz Rowley were incredibly impressed with the high standard of football on show from all players. Our congratulations go to all of the boys selected, and our best wishes go to those who were unsuccessful this season. The following boys have been named in the Under 15 Boys squad for this season: Travis Ziglam Matty Bryant Jacob Danen Joe Davis Declan Riley Finn Murray Ethan Brachner Ronny Wakelin Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Lucas Sant Charlie King Jacob Turner Dylan Scott Hayden Cordall Jharrel Williams Luke Kellas Harry Neeson Charlie Dean Braden Webb Tom Taylor The Under 15 Boys first fixture will be an intra-county game against SSFA Under 14 Boys at Stafford Town FC on Monday 19th April (7pm Kickoff). Players are asked to arrive at 6:15, changed with dark shorts and socks, and will be provided with a playing top on the day. Parents are reminded to maintain social distancing and follow our Covid-secure regulations, including signing in via the NHS Covid-19 App or by filling out the contact forms on arrival. Toilet facilities will be available, but changing rooms remain closed. Further details regarding the fixture will be released next week. *Please note that the following statement is an update regarding inter-school competitions for the 2020/21 season, and does not affect the return to football after lockdown 3 for SSFA representative teams* In recent weeks the association officers have, on a number of occasions discussed the current Covid-19 situation and how it affects the playing of Schools football, taking into account advice from the FA, ESFA and Government. Decisions were made to suspend all inter school competitions at various age groups in the County Cup competitions. It will come as no surprise that the Staffordshire CSFA confirm the cancellation of all school competitions for the season 2020-2021. SSFA secretary Mark Warren will be contacting all schools later in the year to enquire about the participation of schools for the season 2021-2022. If there are any issues that you wish to raise, please make contact with Mr Warren. We were and continue to be ever mindful of the current situation within all schools and the added stress and workload that teachers are currently working under and our thoughts continue to be with colleagues and their families. Please note again that this only applies to inter-school competitions. SSFA remain committed to continuing the 2020/21 season for our representative teams, resuming with the under 15 boys trial on Monday 29th March 2021. Staffordshire School's FA are delighted to announce their intended return to football following Lockdown 3, our first footballing event of 2021. On Monday 29th March 2021 (government restrictions allowing), the trial for the Under 15 Boys will take place at Stafford Town FC. The pitch is a 3G pitch, with players asked to arrive for 6:15pm, with a 6:30pm start. Players are required to arrived changed and ready to play, and are reminded to bring correct footwear. A member of SSFA staff will supply shirts/bibs for the trial. In line with the guidance, the changing rooms will remain shut, but toilet facilities will be open. Players, parents and spectators are reminded to maintain social distancing on arrival and use the hand sanitiser available. A reminder of our Covid-safe measures, including the trial information booklet, can be found here. We look forward to welcoming our players, parents and volunteers back in a safe and enjoyable environment. The following players are named for the trial on Monday 29th March. Any player who is yet to confirm their attendance should do so by emailing the secretary Mark Warren (warrenmark7@btinternet.com). Luke Kellas Joe Unitt Dylan Hawkings Charlie Dean Declan Riley Mike Galloway Gilchris Kakanou Joseph Davies Yaseen Abu Khalil Ethan Brachner Bryn Jose Valaquez Archie Carr Hayden Cordall Jacob Danan Kamil Dudek Woody Ford Dan Hughes Doug Hughes Charlie King Finn Murray Dylan Scott Lucas Sant Tom Taylor Jacob Turner Ronny Wakelin Braden Webb Jharrel Williams Travis Ziglam Zack Elsabee Goodhead Josh Massey Mason Lymer Sam Van Hagen Harry Neeson Henry Handley Following the return of students on 8th March, the guidance states outdoor organised sports can resume on the 29th March. Therefore, representative schools football will be able to return at the earliest from Monday 29th March. These dates are conditional and will be informed by the continued progress the country is making. We currently await further guidance from The FA and ESFA, and will update parents and players in due course (both here on our website and on our Twitter page @staffsschoolsfa) We are encouraged by these dates and are currently in the process of re-scheduling our elite friendly programme for the remainder of the 2020/2021 season with 2 key aims: 1) to ensure the safe return to county football for all age groups and get our schoolchildren active again and enjoying their football 2) to support Staffordshire Schools' FA as an organisation following over a year of no income With the promising news of the roadmap and the incredible progression of the vaccine rollout, we are a step closer to getting back to doing the things we love. Despite the optimism, it remains important as ever to continue to stay at home and stay safe as we slowly return to normality. From everyone involved at SSFA, stay safe and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the coming months. Everyone at SSFA hopes all of our players, parents and volunteers are keeping safe during these difficult times. At the moment, we still have no clear date on when county football will resume. We appreciate how tough these ongoing restrictions are on everybody, with vaccines highlighting a way out of the havoc this awful virus has caused. When the Prime Minister announces the roadmap and gradual re-opening of the country post-lockdown, we will have further updates on what this means for SSFA and any return to football in due course. For now, continue to reach out to one another, keep rising to the homeschooling challenges, and most importantly, stay safe. From all involved at Staffordshire Schools' FA. Despite Staffordshire's new Tier 4 status from 31/12/2020 indicating that "Organised outdoor sport for under 18s (and disabled people) will be allowed" (Source: @GOVUK website), Stafford Borough Council have decided to close Stafford Town's facilties until further notice. Unfortuantely, this means that games previously arranged for January and February so far will be postponed/rearranged. Whilst this is bitterly disappointing for our players, parents and volunteers, we hope to provide some more information on when we will be able to return (once again!) in the new year with our exciting games programme. More will be posted here and on our Twitter page once we have any further updates. In the mean time, we wish everyone a Happy New Year and a safe, healthy and better 2021, filled with football. ** Please note that the below fixtures have been postponed and will be rearranged as soon as we are able to play again ** Amidst the uncertainty of government restrictions and cancellation of MCF fixtures, Staffordshire Schools FA are delighted to confirm their schedule for the first 6 weeks of 2021. The following fixtures, subject to government restrictions, will all take place at Stafford Town FC: 4th January - Under 14 Boys training game 11th January - Under 16 Boys vs Lichfield City 18th January - Under 14 Boys and Under 16 Boys vs Burton Albion FC 25th January - Under 14 Boys and Under 15 Boys vs Port Vale FC 1st February - Under 16 Boys vs Port Vale FC 8th February - Under 14 Girls and Under 16 Girls vs Birmingham City FC Kick off times and squads for each fixture will be confirmed closer to the time. It is with great thanks to the clubs and organisations for their help in scheduling these fixtures, and we look forward to hosting them. SSFA remain in dialogue with other organisations, with further fixtures to be announced in the new year. Any academy teams or college scholarship teams who would be interested in playing one of our representative sides as part of our games programme are encouraged to contact the Chairman, Bailey Evans. As we get into 2021, more fixtures will be announced, with players and parents encouraged to keep an eye on our Calendar page. Following the cancellation of all MCF league fixtures for this year, SSFA have continued with our plans to implement a programme of elite level friendlies in the new year, with confirmation of academy, college and US scholarship opponents to be confirmed in early 2021. Everyone at Staffordshire Schools’ FA would like to thank all of our players, parents, coaches and volunteers who have been exemplary in their support for schools' football in the most challenging and uncertain year for all involved. Schools' football will resume again in January subject to any changes to current restrictions, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2021. Once again, thank you to all involved for their unwavering support throughout the uncertainty and the lockdowns this year. We wish everyone and their families good health and rest over the Christmas period, from all at SSFA. The U18's management are delighted to announce the squad for this season. The trials have given us some very difficult decisions and we have been impressed with the standard of all the players in attendance. It is always disappointing not to get selected from a trial but we would urge those in Year 12 to trial again next season as it is important to remember this team is made up from Year 12 and 13 pupils. As mentioned at the trials, players may get injured or be unavailable for a variety of reasons and on these occasions it may result in someone not initially selected receiving a call up. We would like to thank everyone involved in the trials process and wish them every success with their football this season. A huge congratulations goes to those selected below: Harry Dabbs Hyewlan Wright Joe Baxter Lewi Burnside Louis Pelnans Josh Lewis James Sutton Dave Periera (capt) Sam Bowater Morgan Payne Charlie Pearsall Jacob Gwilt Ben Chesters Lewis Howard Patrick Ngove Oli Waddison Jack Bowater Joe Morley Jack Thomas Dan Gormley Jack Taylor Please can those selected email team manager Mr M Culverhouse on mculverhouse74@googlemail.com to confirm their place in the squad. Further information will then be sent out regarding plans for the season. Thanks to all of the boys who attended the final U14 trial at Stafford Town on Monday. The management, spectators and scouts in attendance were all very impressed with the talent on show, and agreed that decisions to be taken were very difficult ones. That said, congratulations to the following players, who have been selected for the coming season: Louis Deaville - Excel Academy Harley Gray - Erasmus Darwin Academy La’Trell Jones - John Taylor High School Jamie Maddocks-Brown - Erasmus Darwin Academy Thomas Culverhouse - Wolgarston Gioele Bovolenta - De Ferrers Fletcher Poole - Landau Forte Amington Alfie Gillion - Erasmus Darwin Academy Spencer Bailey - Paulet Owen Cantrill - Chase Terrace Ashton Newman - Cheslyn Hay Corey Waterworth - Kingsmead Liam Brazier - Endon High Amerik Shinger - Codsall Jack Newall - Wolgarston Finn East - Blessed William Howard Evan Wynne - Friary Harrison Smith - Paulet Luca Whitney - Madeley High Morgan Daley - Codsall Alfie Cowley - St Margaret Ward Zack Binns - John Taylor High School These players should also pencil in Monday 4th January 2021, when the intention is for the squad to have a training evening and/or friendly game. Thanks again to all players and parents who attended on Monday. Unfortunately, the Midlands County Federation have confirmed that no competitive fixtures will take place across any age group this season under the 'MCF' competitions. SSFA are deeply saddened and surprised at this outcome. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic presenting numerous potential health and logistical challenges, it is the belief that the guidelines in place for football's return are sufficient and necessary to allow boys and girls to continue to represent their county safely and proudly. These guidelines are not only approved by the government, the FA and ESFA, but agreed by all county associations. As an association, like many across the country, the Covid-19 pandemic has reduced income to next to nothing since late February. With this decision axing over 20 home MCF fixtures per season across all 6 teams, this prevents signficant financial challenges for the association as a whole. SSFA remain committed to the longstanding belief implemented by the late John Appleby that no player will ever have to pay fees to represent their county. Instead, as an association we heavily rely upon gate reciepts (between £2-£5 per person) as our main income each season. Having no MCF fixtures significantly reduces the opportunity to keep SSFA afloat and limits boys and girls opportunities to thrive and enjoy their football amongst the best players in the county. SSFA are currently in discussions with numerous elite academies, local teams and US scholarship organisations to arrange a schedule of elite level friendlies starting in the new year. This would allow all SSFA teams to have multiple opportunities to perform across the season, testing themselves against different opponents, in watchful eye of scouts. As an association, we understand the financial difficulties presented to everyone in the current climate. It is hoped that by providing these elite fixtures for all county teams in 2021, spectators can, where possible, continue to contribute on the gate to help maintain SSFA's longstanding approach to footballing excellence and enjoyment for all involved. On Monday 14th December, the Under 14 boys second trial will take place at Stafford Town FC. Players are asked to arrive for 6:15, with a 6:45 start. Players should arrive changed and ready to play, with changing rooms unavailable on the night. The management team look forward to seeing everyone again and finalising the squad for this season. All players, parents and spectators are kindly reminded to adhere to social distancing, use the hand sanitiser on site and follow the Covid-secure guidelines. As announced previously, the following boys are selected to attend the trial on Monday evening: Louis Deaville Harley Gray TJ Carroll Harrison Smith Marley Charters Jacob Maddocks-Brown Bradley Ferris Americk Shinger William Ellis Tom Culverhouse Sam Bradley Liam Prendergast Kieron Warren Spencer Bailey Owen Cantrill Liam Brazier Alfie Bromley Zac Fernyhough Alfie Gillian Gioele Bovolenta Will Castle Latrelle Jones Henry Royals Corey Waterworth Zac Binns Fletcher Poole Evan Wynne Archie Kilminster Jack Newell Luca Whitney Alfie Cowley Dylan Millington Morgan Daley Jonathan Palmer Robbie Bowdler Carl Tomlinson Harrison Smith Ashton Newman Following the end of lockdown 2, Staffordshire Schools' FA are delighted to be able to return to action again and look forward to seeing our players, parents and volunteers again. On Monday 7th December, the Under 18 Boys will take on Newcastle College in a friendly at Stafford Town FC. Players are asked to arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm kick off. In accordance with the Covid guidelines, changing rooms will not be available on the night. Spectators are welcome, with a £2 admission fee on the night. All players and parents are asked to adhere to the Covid regulations as they did so well prior to the lockdown. The Under 18 boys squad for the friendly agaisnt Newcastle College on Monday evening is named below: Harry Dabbs Dylan Young Louis Pelnans Joe Baxter Morgan Payne Charlie Pearsall Jacob Gwilt Harry Clifton Joe Morley Sam Bowater Morgan Russell Patrick Ngove Oliver Waddison Ben Briggs Dan Gormley Following the Under 16 Girls trials before lockdown 2, the Under 16 management team have named their squad for the upcoming season. The management team and SSFA would like to thank all of the trialists for the high level of football, with commiserations and best wishes to those unsuccessful this year. The Under 16 Girls squad is named below: Following the confirmation from the government and ESFA that county fixtures cannot continue during lockdown 2, there will be no footballing activity related to Staffordshire Schools' FA until at least 2/12/2020, when the current national restrictions are set to be reviewed. In the mean time, keep an eye on our website and Twitter (@staffsschoolsfa) for further updates. SSFA look forward to seeing everyone again soon in a footballing environment. We hope that all of our players, parents, teachers, coaches, volunteers and their loved ones remain safe and well during this time. Following the friendly against Newcastle College last Monday (2/11/2020), the Under 16 coaching staff have finalised the squad for the upcoming season. A squad of 20 players have been selected, with 5 players on the standby list. Manager Neil Davies would like to congratulate all of the successful boys and thank everyone who attended the trials over the past month, with an incredibly high standard throughout. The Under 16 Boys squad for 2020-21 is named below: Last season's U16 boys side made SSFA history on Saturday, where they became only the second ever U16 boys side to become Champions of England, and the first ever to secure the Midlands Counties League and National Cup double whilst maintaining an unbeaten record across the season. It is a second National title in management for Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley, and a first for coaches Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield, who lifted the trophy as players three years ago. This is surely a first for a National-winning team, and a glowing justification of the model to bring the very best SSFA ambassadors through, beyond the playing ranks, as our next generation of coaches. The biblical rain at Lilleshall National Sports Centre subsided in time for kick-off, and the sun came out for us. Before kick-off, a minute's applause was dedicated to the late and legendary Mr John Appleby, in recognition of his incredible service to, and passion for SSFA. I think all involved would agree that it was a first half to forget for Staffs, where the occasion maybe played on a few minds. However, thanks to the rock-solid defensive security provided by Joe Baxter and James Sutton, the Bedfordshire attack was kept at bay. Half-time provided an opportunity to take stock and freshen the side at 0-0, with the Staffs lads knowing that they had to find more against a pacy and physical Bedfordshire team. Whilst the second half began more brightly for the boys in green, it was Bedfordshire that drew first blood, with their attacker sharpest to prod past outstretched 'keeper Kyle Curtis. 1-0 down, two major injuries and only 30mins to play - the stage was set for either heartbreak or a legendary turnaround. Lewi Burnside (who was an obvious MOTM) slotted into defence to replace Louis Pelnens, whose injury proved too much to bear any further, with Harvey Bannister-Smith battling through injury with a sublime second half performance on the right side of midfield, maintaining the work-rate and threat Harry Buzzard posed in the 1st half. Morgan Russell and Joe Scriven provided respite for James May and Jack Thomas, who had been so bright and busy throughout. It was Russell who gave Staffs a glimmer of hope, with a composed finish after great close-control from Scriven in the Beds' box. Joe Morley proved a constant threat throughout and came close to putting Staffs in the lead shortly after with an audacious 25 yard effort, with the introduction of Jake Finney causing Bedfordshire’s fullbacks all sorts of problems. Still it remained 1-1 with 10 minutes to go, as the midfield duo of captain Charlie Pearsall and Morgan Payne continued to work doggedly to try to open doors and protect the defence, and showed a level of grit seen only in National Champions. As the awkward questions about penalty takers started to be uttered, Joe Scriven produced a piece of individual magic: taking the ball down on his chest before volleying beautifully beyond the helpless Bedfordshire 'keeper, igniting scenes of absolute euphoria amongst the Staffs players and bench. However, like all elite-level performers, the boys realised that there was 3 minutes to hang on for, and goodness did they have to hang on! The final moments were an onslaught of pressure and corners for Bedfordshire, with the Staffs players throwing their bodies on the line to protect their goal. Eventually, after what seemed like 100 minutes of added time, the final whistle was blown, and the Staffs boys assumed their rightful position as the best in the land, with Captain Fantastic Charlie Pearsall holding the cup aloft. Our sincere thanks to all at ESFA for their efforts in holding the final: not an easy task in the current climate! Staffordshire U16 Boys 0 Newcastle College 0 On a blustery night at Stafford Town, both teams played out an entertaining and competitive friendly, which despite finishing goalless saw numerous near misses for both sides. Staffs Captain Sol Ashworth saw his first half free-kick hit the post and late on James Plant almost struck the winner forcing a good save from the visiting keeper. Newcastle also went close and were denied a goal when Staffs keeper George Lenton pulled off a fine save. The game gave the Staffordshire coaches a final look before deciding on the County squad for the coming season. The squad will be posted on here later this week. The members of last season’s trophy winning squad were also finally presented their medals and the Under 15 Midland Counties Trophy for the 2019-2020 season. Having also been Champions at Under 14, the challenge now is to do the treble and win the Under 16 title as well. This weekend (31/10/2020) sees last years Under 16 Boys take on Bedfordshire in the National Final for the prolonged 2019-2020 season. The game is taking place at Lilleshall, with an unfortunate but important reminder that no spectators are allowed at the game. SSFA wish the Under 16 Boys the best of luck in their final on Saturday. The game will be streamed live on YouTube and can be found here from just before kick off (3PM): https://www.youtube.com/esfatv/ The successful trialists for the Under 14 Girls, Under 15 Boys and Under 16 Boys have also recently been added to the website. The Under 16 boys for the 2020-21 season take on Newcastle College in a friendly on Monday 2nd November, with more details found below on this page. Those successful for the Under 14 Girls and Under 15 Boys are also named below with dates to be confirmed soon for the second trials at Stafford Town FC. The remaining teams for 2020-21 are still being decided and further updates will be announced in the coming week. Following the first Under 15 boys trial, the successful players will go through to a second trial with the existing squad. The date of the second trial will be confirmed soon. Players will be notified via email and on our website regarding the date. SSFA wish to thank all of the unsuccessful boys for their attendance and high standard of football at the trials. We wish you all the best for the current season and hope to see you again at the trials next year. The Under 15 coaching team wish to invite the following boys to the second trial: Luke Kellas Dylan Hawkings Declan Riley Gilchris Kakanou Joe Unitt Yaseen Abu-Khalil Bryn Jose Valasquez Charlie Dean Isaac Galloway On Monday 2nd November the Under 16 Boys (2020-21 season) take on Newcastle College at Stafford Town in a friendly. Players should arrive for 6pm with a 7pm kick off. Players should also arrive changed and ready to play with dark shorts and socks (preferably black), and will be given a County shirt to be worn on the night and returned at the end of the game. Spectators are welcome, with a £2 entry charge which will go towards SSFA costs, having not recieved income as an organisation from any footballing activity since March. The squad for Monday can be found below: George Lenton Mason Pickering Sol Ashworth James Plant Kyle Corns Jensen Peake Alfie Clarke Will Finlay Adam Cockbill Ben Humphries Isaac Taylor Matt Steadman Luca Chandler Lewis Holden Harry Taylor Henry Carter Sam Scott Freddie Nakash Mark Mataranyica Edward Gillett The main purpose of the game is to take a final look at the new trialists who were unable to make the first trial plus a few members of last season’s County squad who again missed the first trial. Some squad players from last year are also involved in this game to ensure players are available in each position. On Saturday 31st October, SSFA Under 16 boys will take on Bedfordshire looking to become only the second Staffordshire Under 16 Boys team to win the National Final. The game was originally scheduled to take place in May but was postponed due to Covid-19. SSFA are delighted that most of the players get their well-earned opportunity to become national champions. The management team of Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley will be looking to add their 2nd national title in 3 years, this time assisted by 2 ex-SSFA National Champions Jack Bromfield and Alex Minshull. The team is also hoping to become the second Staffordshire team to win national final honours in the prolonged 2019-2020 season following the Under 18 boys being declared joint winners a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, Staffordshire's squad will not consist all of their players from the 2019-2020 season following the EFL's decision to prevent 4 members of the squad from playing in a national final in which they worked so hard for and deeply deserved the opportunity to play in the final. However, the Staffordshire squad remains full of talent and relish their underdog status as they have done on so many occasions in the 3 years the squad has been together. SSFA thank all of the boys involved this season for their attitude, commitment and incredible hard work culminating in this final game together. Special mention must also go to the parents of the Under 16 boys squad - their superb backing of the players throughout the 3 years has been outstanding and no doubt helped both the players and coaching team! It is with regret that due to the current Covid-19 situation, NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE GAME. Instead, the ESFA will provide a live stream for the game on YouTube which can be found on the day at https://www.youtube.com/c/ESFATV/featured. We kindly ask all parents/guardians to continue to follow the guidelines provided by the ESFA to ensure the final runs as smoothly as possible. The squad for the National Final is as follows: Kyle Curtis - Friary James May - Cardinal Griffin Morgan Payne - Walton Jack Thomas - The Rawlett School Louis Pelnens - Codsall James Sutton - Weston Road Charlie Pearsall (C) - John Taylor High School Harvey Bannister-Smith - Blessed William Howard Joe Baxter - Painsley Lewi Burnside - Netherstowe High School Joe Morley - Cardinal Griffin Harry Buzzard - Erasmus Darwin Academy Jake Finney - Endon High School Morgan Russell - Erasmus Darwin Academy Keelan Summerfield - Walton Joseph Scriven - Codsall Players that are unable to play due to the EFL preventing them from doing so: Callum Niven - John Taylor High School Greg Lewis - Friary Huw Emery - De Ferrers Academy Eden Bailey - Trentham High School Please be aware that, until FINAL squad lists are published, ALL trialists are still “in the mix” for selection. Various teams may hold extra friendlies or events which, due to COVID-19, not all will be able to attend. But inclusion/omission in these extra trial events is not indicative of being part of the final squad or not. Also, as discussed at trials, coaches cannot offer individual feedback to unsuccessful trialists, as we simply do not have the human, time or analytical resources. Thanks in advance of your understanding. Further to the recent trials at Stafford Town on Monday 28th September, the Management team have provided the following update: Following an excellent trial involving new trialists and the existing squad from last season, a further trial will be announced shortly in the form of a friendly game, most likely against Newcastle College. This will allow the coaches to finalise the squad for the forthcoming Inter County season which is planned to commence in January. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the initial trial. The standard as always was excellent. Once a date for the final trial game is finalised, we will post the squad for that game on here. Following the incredible achievement of the Under 18 Boys team reaching the National Final in the 2019/2020 season pre-covid, Staffordshire School’s FA and Gloucestershire SFA have now been crowned joint winners by the ESFA. Despite the best efforts to play the final, under 18s prove a difficult age group to keep together with a lot of players moving on to university (some abroad), made even more difficult with the current pandemic and travel restrictions. Nevertheless, the Under 18 Boys squad, alongside the coaching team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner should be extremely proud of their 2019/2020 season and huge congratulations go out to everyone involved. Players will be awarded with their medals in due course and SSFA hope to get the squad back together when it is safe to do so in recognition of their achievements. The Under 16 Boys national final against Bedfordshire is still scheduled to go ahead towards the end of the month. Due to restrictions of numbers, nominations for Monday's U14 Boys trial are now CLOSED. Thanks so much to all the teachers who nominated! If you have nominated/been nominated, please send a follow up email or direct message with position(s), as the trial will be split across 2 sessions. SSFA look forward to the U14 Boys trial on Monday and look to continue our return to football in the safe and Covid-secure manner as the trials have done so far. Monday evening saw Staffordshire Schools FA hold their first county trial ahead of the upcoming season. The Under 18 Boys trialled at Stafford Town FC and there was some excellent quality on show in our first ‘Covid-Secure’ return to football event. Those who attended the Under 18s trial on Monday are advised to keep an eye on their emails and the SSFA website for more information regarding squad selection or further trial updates. It is with thanks to the players, parents, coaches and volunteers for adhering to the guidelines as well as those at Stafford Town FC for allowing the evening to run smoothly and safely. This new way of normal must be continued to ensure the next set of trials for other age groups in the coming weeks also run safely. For a reminder of SSFA's Covid-Secure documents for our return to football, please click the link here. Staffordshire Schools FA are working hard to ensure a return to county football is safe ahead of the upcoming season. Trial information has been emailed out to PE staff and further information regarding trials will also be emailed to schools. Without a nomination from their school, players cannot trial! Staffordshire Schools FA look forward to welcoming back players and also getting to know new faces ahead of the upcoming season. It is advised that all players, parents and coaches read through the SSFA Covid-19 page by clicking the link here. From there you will find the list of Covid regulations and updates ahead of SSFA's return to football. Please note that the latest update from the government banning social gatherings of more than 6 people (from 14/09/2020) does not apply to organised team sports. Therefore, SSFA are still committed to a safe and Covid-secure return to football as planned ahead of the 2020/21 season. Please find attached arrangements for John's funeral and the link to the donations page. Please click the link below or paste the link into your URL bar to access the website page. It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the sad passing of John Appleby on Friday 7th August. As some of you know John had been ill for the last few months and bore his illness with great strength and dignity. Our condolences go out to Janine and his family. As yet no further details regarding funeral arrangements are known. All competitions for next season are only provisional but potential entries need to be made so plans can be formulated to cater fir various scenarios. Seventeen schools have made entries. No fees are required until there is certainty about he games going aheadso if your school wished to make an entry then use the form in the previous article. Staffordshire SFA have called an end to season 19-20 due to the current pandemic. Teams who have reached the finals of the individual schools competitions will share the trophy and medals will be sent to schools when it is considered safe to do so. This is not a satisfactory conclusion to the season but the only one available and it is a model that has been used by the majority of the County associations nationwide. What the future holds in the short term nobody knows but the County Association is planning for a resumption of activities for next season. This of course could be delayed and may not even happen but if and when a resumption is allowed then Staffordshire SFA will be ready. Schools have been sent forms for entry into our individual schools competitions as well as nomination forms for the trials for the County sides next season. These have been duplicated below. It needs to made very clear that only teachers can nominate pupils for county trials, not clubs or parents. If there is a gifted and talented boy or girl who attends a school that is not actively involved in school football then the teacher in charge of PE needs to be approached to fill in the appropriate paperwork. Trials will only be held when it is safe to do so and unlike the past few seasons they will not be held prior to the autumn term. The County Association hopes that all involved are staying safe and following the guidelines of social distancing to ensure that all involved in our great game remain healthy. Below is the newsletter sent to schools today This coming bank holiday weekend would have seen a new chapter written into the long history of Staffordshire Schools Football. For the first time two teams had reached the finals of National competitions in the same season. The Under 18 Boys and the U16 Boys were due to play their finals at the Bet 365 stadium this weekend. The Under 18 Boys were due to meet Gloucestershire having negotiated their way through ties against Cheshire (5-0),South Yorkshire (4-2) and Lancashire (2-1) to set up their place in the final. The management team of Mark Culverhouse, Greg Valentine and Matt Skinner were looking forward to leading oiut an extremely talented group which included three internationals from this seasons ESFA U18 squad. Having already clinched the MCF title the boys were confident of putting on a good show to try and bring the U18 National title to Staffordshire for the first time. The Under 16 Boys were due to meet Bedfordshire having beaten Humberside (3-1), West Midlands (3-1) Cardiff and the Vale (4-1) and North Yorkshire (2-1) to earn their final tie. The team remained unbeaten this season and were looking to add a second title for managers Bailey Evans and Oz Rowley this time assisted by ex players Alex Minshull and Jack Bromfield.The majority of the squad have been together for three years and have been superb ambassadors for their schools. There may be some clarification regarding the future in the next few days but it is looking increasingly likely that these games will remain unplayed. There are far more important issues at this moment in time and when people are losing their lives football is but a trivial distraction. However in the years to come all of the players from all teams that would have played in the finals will look back at what they will regard as a missed opportunity and will always ask 'What might have been'. The MCF have finished the season as there is no chance of completion of the competitions due to the current situation with coronavirus. The championships have been awarded to the teams that topped the leagues when the suspension of the season happened in March. Staffordshire boys have performed outstandingly well with the U18, u16,and the U15 boys winning the titles and the U14 Boys finishing as runners up in their competition. All three winners were unbeaten and the U14 boys tasted defeat once to the Chanpions West Midlands who were worthy winners. The girls struggled to make an impact this season due to the RTC.s refusing to release girls for County matchess. Only a couple of sets of parents stood their ground and insisted that their daughters played County football for which the CSFA were very grateful.There will be a debate in the close season about the viability of continuing with girls representative football due to the facyt that counties who have RTC players available are so much stronger that they are totally dominant and can leave teams who do not have these players available at a distinct disadvantage. Parents committment to county football will be the key. The winners of the competitions can be found below; u14 boys - West Midlands u15 boys - Staffordshire u16 boys (east) - Lincolnshire u16 boys (west) - Staffordshire u18 boys - Staffordshire u16 girls - Shropshire u14 girls - West Midlands The U18 and U16 boys still await news of wether or not they will be playing in the national finala Can you answere the following ten questions/ Send answers to website. More questions to follow. We at Staffordshire Schools'FA hope that all of or players, parents teachers are staying safe and following the government guidelines. It is very difficult and pretty boring but it is needs must and the more islolated from each other we are then the sooner we can hopefully emerge from these dark days. As a group we have to applaud and assist our NHS who are on the frontline with all of the inherent dangers, whilst we stay away from each other to help them in their quest to beat this virus. The Chairman of ESFA has released a statement which says that depending on the situation that the ESFA cup competitions will be completed wherever possible. That could mean them taking place in September so with our two teams that have reached the final there is hope that we may be able to play the games. Understandably we may have to ask for special consideration to be given to some players for a variety of different reasons. The County Schools FA will do the same with regard to our Individual schools competition again depending on the advice given by the government and the ESFA. You can only feel for those clubs who have had their seasons terminated, especially those who were certain of promotion but these are extraordinary times. Stay safe. Staffordshire Schools FA activity like all football has closed down because of the virus situation in the Uk. Now is a time for reflection and looking after oneself and family. No decisions have been made regarding what will happen regarding outstanding fixtures but there will be no activity before the end of April at the earliest. We hope that all of our players parents teachers and their loved ones remain safe and well . Following advice from the governing body and the government then all schools football under the jurisdiction of SSFA is now suspended until futher notice. This includes county representative teams and all individual schools cup competitions. Hopefully if we see some light at the end of this very dark tunnel then finals may be played in the summer term. The Staffordshire Schools FA hopes everyone stays safe and well. Information and news will be posted here when it becomes available. The Under 18 and Under 16 boys have reached the national inter county cup finals which are due to be played on the 8th or 9th of May at the Bet 365 Stadium, the home of Stoke City FC. Staffordshire Schools wish to make this a very special occassion for the boys and one which will live long in their memories the results not withstanding.We are looking for companies to come forward to sponsor the boys warm up tops , playing kit and match balls. The games will receive lots of publicity and are being streamed live from the ground. If you are able to help then please make contact through the website as the Association do not receive any funding for running representative sides.It is a great opportunity to be associated with schools football at the highest level. @staffsschoolsfa will allow all to follow what is going on and will supplement the information available on the website. Follow the account which is being run by Under 15 team Manager Bailey Evans.
These players’ parents/guardians should now contact team manager/chairman Bailey Evans on baileyevans.ssfa@gmail.com to accept their squad place, and for further instructions on how to install/join the “Spond” app, which is used for team admin/communication.